Articles by Ron Jenkins

Bill Would Expand Okla. Small Business Insurance Plan

A bill vastly expanding the number of small businesses that qualify for a health insurance subsidy program is nearing floor action in the Oklahoma Legislature, a key lawmaker said recently. Gov. Brad Henry’s “Insure Oklahoma” program currently provides health insurance …

Okla. doctor: Lawmakers against tort reform can go to Texas for care

An Oklahoma surgeon said he will not treat legislators who voted against a bill to curb malpractice insurance rates and suggested they go to Texas for surgical procedures. Unless it is an emergency, Dr. Peter S. Hedberg said he will …

Okla. Doctor says Legislators can go to Texas for Care

An Oklahoma surgeon said he will not treat legislators who voted against a bill to curb malpractice insurance rates and suggested they go to Texas for surgical procedures. Unless it is an emergency, Dr. Peter S. Hedberg said he will …

Lawmakers Worry that Lawsuit Reform Issue is Dead in Okla.

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry’s veto of a bill putting restrictions on civil lawsuits may have killed the issue for the 2007 Oklahoma Legislature, Republican legislative leaders said. Asked if efforts to revise the civil justice system are dead for the …

Okla. AG Urges Gov. Henry to Veto Lawsuit Bill

Oklahoma’s attorney general has urged Gov. Brad Henry to veto a bill changing the rules on the civil lawsuit system, saying the legislation would cripple his ability to take legal action to protect the state and its people from harm. …

Tangled Corruption Case Snares Okla. Politicians

The success of politicians in economically hard-pressed areas of southeastern Oklahoma has been tied to “bringing home the bacon,” a euphemism for how many government dollars can be obtained for local projects. But if federal investigators are right, state funds …

Governor’s ‘Insure Oklahoma’ Plan Misses Legislative Cut

A spokesman says “it’s a puzzler” why Gov. Brad Henry’s plan to expand a small business health insurance program was not heard in the state House of Representatives before a legislative deadline expired. “We were surprised, particularly when we got …

Former Okla. Insurance Commissioner Released from Jail

A judge ordered former Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher released from jail on Mar. 5, but took away his privilege to work under terms of an appeal bond. Oklahoma County Judge Kenneth Watson mandated that Fisher not leave his house …

Gov. Henry Plans to Boost Health Coverage in Okla.

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry on Jan. 23 proposed expanding two health care programs – one that helps small businesses provide insurance for their workers and another that covers the health care needs of children. “One in five Oklahomans has no …

More Than 2,000 Bills Filed in Okla. for 2007 Legislative Session

More than 2,000 bills have been filed for the 2007 session of the Oklahoma Legislature, including many measures that sponsors acknowledge do not have a chance of passage. It’s all part of the democratic process, officials say, even if it …